'Big Hero 6' screenwriter Daniel Gerson dies at 49

Los Angeles: Daniel Gerson, who co-wrote "Monsters, Inc" movies and "Big Hero 6", died at his home last weekend. He was 49. According to a family statement, Gerson had been battling brain cancer, reported Variety.

The screenwriter frequently collaborated with Robert L Baird. Together the duo co-wrote "Monsters, Inc" and its prequel, "Monsters University", as well as "Big Hero 6", which won the Oscar last year for animated feature.

Gerson was also the voice of maintenance monsters Needleman and Smitty in "Monsters, Inc" and Desk Sergeant Sergeant in "Big Hero 6". Gerson and Baird have been credited with assistance on Pixar's "Inside Out", "Up" and "Chicken Little".

Born in New York, Gerson attended Cornell University, where he majored in English, and later obtained an MFA from the graduate film school at NYU.

After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to begin his writing career, getting his start as a staff writer on the NBC comedy "Something So Right". He later transitioned to animated films for Disney/Pixar, where his films grossed over USD 2 billion worldwide.

He is survived by his wife, two children and parents.